Original subtitles

DOG GROOMING, FONTE

You don't have a dog?

I had one, but it has passed away.

RISALA VOL.1 Its name was Risala.

A white female dog.

(DOG SIGNAL)

(Izumi Ritsuka's Sister) After I graduated,

I brought Risala

FUJIWARA DOG TRAINING CENTER and visited the training center of Shinichiro and Uruson.

Shinichiro.

I've come to see you.

Were you wondering why I came again?

I wasn't.

We're not here to see you.

We're here to see Uruson.

I told you I wasn't.

At that time, Risala was 10 years old.

It had already retired from dog shows,

but its beautiful grooming remained.

The large puppy, Uruson,

was very fond of Risala.

It kept pestering Risala, and…

Risala, don't get angry…

It's okay, Ritsuka.

It's telling it not to do that.

It's not angry.

There are many things a dog can only learn from other dogs.

No matter how hard we try,

there are times when we humans cannot imitate,

and only dogs can teach it.

Indeed, by imitating Risala, Uruson…

Risala, through.

So cute.

Ouch.

Your legs are so short.

Uruson learned all sorts of things.

I see.

Riri, are you teaching little Uruson about dog knowledge?

You're truly a great big sister.

You've been a big help.

What?

You and Risala coming here

has been a great help to us.

The old man asked me to thank you properly.

Oh.

Are they junior high schoolers?

They're so innocent.

At that time, I was working as a pet groomer

as my mom's salon.

I had no stress.

Four years after that,

Uruson's weight has become nine times that of Risala's.

But it still felt like a younger brother.

At that time, Risala was already 14.

It was in good health

and lived a fulfilling life.

Then, one day.

Ritsuka.

What is it?

Come, I have something to tell you.

Grandma has decided to move to the hospital

in the next county that she had been waiting for.

I see.

That's great, Grandma.

You will surely get better.

And, next is the important part.

To be honest, we're thinking of closing down the shop.

FUJIWARA DOG TRAINING CENTER

Hi.

Closing down?

Yes.

That hospital specializes in treating my grandma's disease.

My mom thinks the whole family should move there

to look after her.

But my grandma opened that shop before pet grooming became popular.

It has been passed down through three generations in my family.

I don't want to close it.

Shinichiro,

I want to keep running the shop by myself.

No, with Risala.

I can't do it without Risala.

Do you think I can do it?

You look like

you'd bury me alive in the mountains if I said no.

Really?

Your grandma will be very happy.

Really?

Moreover,

you also have me and Uruson.

Do it.

BLUSHING

I… I'll go make tea.

Lame.

Thank you, Shin.

I'll do my best.

After I went home, I told them my decision.

My grandma held my hand and cried.

Come on, don't cry.

That's wonderful, Mom.

And then my mom…

SHIN, PLEASE TAKE CARE OF RITSUKA. Shin, please take care of Ritsuka.

BECAUSE SHE IS A GIRL. Because she is a girl.

FROM RITSUKA'S MOM Because she is a girl.

Because she is a girl,

you gave the key to a guy?

Pffft.

My mom cares for me in her own way,

even though I can't understand it.

DOG GROOMING, FONTE

But running a shop alone

is harder than I imagined.

Previously, my mom and I together

could groom 5 to 10 dogs in a day.

But now I must do it alone.

During which,

I also have to deal with walk-in customers

as well as salespeople.

After the grooming,

I must take a photo,

fill in the information,

and make a report for the owner.

If needed, I also have to provide transportation for the dogs.

After work,

I have to clean the shop and wash the towels,

make advertising posters and pet bibs,

restock supplies, place orders,

manage finances, and do the bookkeeping.

At first, I had no time for Risala who came to work with me.

So it spent more time at home.

I'm back, Risala.

I'm exhausted.

Thank you.

You've revitalized me.

Thank you, Risala.

Because of Risala, I could keep going.

Even so, the next day is another battlefield.

DOG GROOMING, FONTE Ruchan, stand up.

Come on.

I can't trim your bottom if you're sitting down.

Even though I'm alone and busy,

the trouble still comes as usual.

Alright.

Even if you get upset, I won't stop.

Your mom will come to pick you up soon.

POODLE, SHEEP STYLE But I want it like this,

because it's very cute.

I know it's cute.

But your dog doesn't have enough hair length and volume.

How many times do I have to explain this?

Forget it, I'll go to another place.

No matter which shop you go to, it just can't be done.

Why can't you understand?

Oh no.

If this continues, I'm going to hate my job.

I must find a way to relieve stress.

FUJIWARA DOG TRAINING CENTER

What?

Let me sleep in on my days off.

OPEN This was given to me by a customer.

DOG CAFE OPENING CELEBRATION Dog Cafe.

The shop is closed today.

I can't find anyone else to go with me.

Let's take Risala and Uruson there.

What's the matter?

There should be a lot of people.

Shin.

Sorry, could you help me out?

Just come after your date.

We're not dating, you old geezer.

That's it.

I'll go with you next time.

You can have a good time then.

I'm so embarrassed.

Both of us chose to work with dogs because we love them.

Shinichiro doesn't even take a break

on his days off.

But I…

In the end, we didn't go anywhere.

I wanted to give you a haircut when I got back.

How about we wait until next week?

I lack motivation.

I'm sorry.

I don't want to groom dogs even on my days off.

It's Misaki.

Ritsuka, long time no see.

Do you remember Solid Foundation?

When we were in school,

we often went to their concerts.

I heard they've reformed the band.

No way, they are back together?

They have a concert tonight.

There are tickets for today.

Let's go.

I really want to go.

But,

is it okay?

Before, when I went out at night,

there was always someone at home.

It's an old dog now.

Risala, can I go out for a bit?

I'll try to come back early.

Can you go to bed first?

Really?

Thank you.

You're my favorite.

Seeing the band I liked back then,

I felt like I'd returned to the past,

to the old me

who liked grooming.

Hey.

Don't compare yourself to Niwa.

You're too close to him; you might have forgotten

that he is a freak.

That's true.

I'll invite you to a concert again.

At least stay away from the dogs

when you're off work.

This should give you more motivation at work.

It's safe.

That's great.

Riri, I'm back.

I'm back.

Thank you for watching the house.

It's hard because you're making a job out of what you love.

It's the same for everyone.

You're right, Misaki.

I feel more relieved now.

I thought I couldn't do this,

but I got its approval.

Thanks to you for watching the house.

I've regained my spirit.

Shin.

Ritsu came, right?

A customer gave me a cake.

Take it and let her feed you.

She didn't come.

Isn't her shop closed today?

Has something happened?

She hasn't been here recently.

How would I know?

She's not answering her phone.

In that case, take it to her house.

What?

Why should I go?

Because she takes good care of Uruson.

You should show your gratitude with actions sometimes.

Now is the time to use the spare key.

You have to thank Ritsu's mother.

How did you know about this?

Is… Is anyone home?

Risala, you…

Your fur is a mess.

The style for shows is its pride.

Usually, it's trimmed so neatly.

Where's your sister? Is she not here?

I'm back.

You…

Why are you here?

I brought you some cake.

What?

The old man insisted I bring it to you.

That's all there is to it.

Is that so?

By the way, where did you go?

You came back so late.

A concert.

Because Solid Foundation got back together.

I'll go make some tea.

You've been drinking.

I had dinner with Misaki on my way back.

That's enough questioning.

There's one more thing.

Risala's fur is too messy.

It's your choice where to go.

At least comb its fur.

I'm busy, what can I do?

No.

You had time to drink.

At least tidy up the fur on the surface.

No.

It isn't as simple as for Uruson.

If I take down its hairband,

combing and retying its fur take time.

You don't understand, it's very tiring!

Ritsu…

I can't stop.

You're not a pet groomer.

Don't meddle in my business.

Go back.

Wait, Ritsu, hey.

Go back.

Ritsuka, hey.

Ritsuka.

Risala's been drinking water quite often.

The color of its urine is very light.

You'd better keep an eye on her.

Risala's been drinking water quite often.

The color of its urine is very light.

You'd better keep an eye on her.

NOSUKE PET CLINIC On the next holiday,

I took it to Nosuke's clinic because I was worried.

It drinks and urinates frequently.

When did it start?

I've been busy, I haven't been paying close attention to it.

It was a sudden discovery.

I see.

You're now the only one here.

Risala, I'm going to touch you a bit.

There's hair loss here.

Really? I didn't notice.

On the other side too.

I haven't bathed it,

so it feels itchy?

No, the hair loss is symmetrical.

It's an endocrine system problem.

And it also drinks and urinates a lot.

I'll do a blood test on it first.

Arrange an abdominal ultrasound and X-ray for it.

Yes.

Ritsuka.

Leave Risala to me.

The examination will take some time.

Go wait in the waiting room.

I didn't notice its hair loss.

If it weren't for Shinichiro,

I wouldn't even know it drinks and urinates a lot.

The examination is over.

Ritsuka, Risala…

has Cushing's syndrome.

FUJIWARA DOG TRAINING CENTER

Shinichiro.

What is it?

I don't have a day off today.

I've been to the clinic.

Risala has Cushing's syndrome.

Hyperadrenocorticism.

Also known as Cushing's syndrome.

The abnormal hormone secretion by the adrenal glands

causes a detrimental effect on the body.

Excessive drinking and urination,

and symmetrical hair loss are typical symptoms.

The cause of Cushing's syndrome

is a tumor on the pituitary or adrenal glands.

The X-ray and ultrasound did not reveal a tumor on the adrenal glands.

It is likely on the pituitary gland.

Wait.

I'll refer you to a hospital where you can get an MRI.

Examine it as soon as possible.

Wait.

If you are very busy,

I can take it over when I'm free.

-I can take it over when I'm free. -Listen…

Let's discuss the treatment after finding the tumor.

Okay?

No tumor was found in the adrenal glands.

So, we must get a brain MRI.

Ritsuka.

But no matter where it is,

only surgery or radiation therapy can cure it.

Hey, are you okay?

How could I possibly be okay?

Riri is about to leave me.

It's already 14.

I'm also well aware

that the day will come soon.

Even though it's still healthy now,

we won't have much time together.

Knowing this, I still didn't trim its fur.

I left Risala and went out myself.

If the condition worsens, it'll lose more fur.

And it will become weaker.

It is my proud little sister.

I should have skipped the concert and trimmed its fur properly.

I can no longer create show styles for it.

I'm sorry, Risala.

The style doesn't matter at all.

Even if all its fur is gone,

Risala is still very cute.

The treatment hasn't even started.

What are you mourning about here?

What should you do

except to fully support Risala?

Even if you can't do styles for shows,

you can do a style suitable for fighting the illness.

You should know best

what style suits Risala, right?

It's always been with you.

Pull yourself together, you're the older sister.

That's right.

My most important little sister is going to fight the illness now.

Now is not the time to mourn.

Shinichiro has also always been with it

and loved it dearly.

Thank you, Shin.

I've come to my senses.

I will do it.

I'll help it as much as I can.

Because I am its older sister.

DOG GROOMING, FONTE

On the next holiday,

CLOSED TODAY I used some time

to trim Risala's fur.

Riri, are you tired?

Take a nap after the bath.

Thank you for keeping such a troublesome hairstyle for so long.

It suits you well.

I like it very much.

But,

I will make you even cuter.

How is it?

Though only the front has decorative fur,

you can clearly see the eyes.

Isn't it adorable?

With this style,

when it can't take a bath,

I can clean it with a towel.

The exposed belly is somewhat conspicuous though.

Take this.

What?

You wouldn't want its belly to be cold.

A onesie that covers the belly.

With pink cherry pattern.

Is it from the old man?

No.

I bought it myself.

This is a thank-you gift for making Risala so cute.

Thank you.

Hmm.

Later, through MRI,

a tumor was discovered in Risala's pituitary gland.

It's 14.

I didn't want it to undergo a high-risk surgery

and decided to go with medication,

which is the least burdensome for Risala.

I tried to make it happy every day.

DOG GROOMING, FONTE It's strange.

After finding out its illness,

I was busier than before, traveling to the hospital and taking care of it.

But I no longer felt stressed about work.

Every dog that comes here for a trim

will one day face death.

When I think about that,

even if they bite me or make a fuss,

I feel happy as long as they are spirited.

I started to ask the owners

about the dogs' health and skin condition,

and recommended the most suitable style

RISALA, 15 YEARS AND 2 MONTHS OLD for their dogs.

PERKS UP AT THE SIGHT OF URUSON for their dogs.

What I wanted to do

is to know the dog's physical condition

and give them a suitable haircut.

Risala made me realize this.

RISALA, 14 YEARS AND 5 MONTHS OLD Right, Riri?

Because I know we'll eventually part ways,

I appreciate life and every moment more

than before.

Due to the customers' recommendations,

many owners bring their ill dogs to me for a grooming.

Thank you for visiting.

Be careful on your way.

I reduced the number of dogs I groom

to ensure I have time with Risala.

It's all done, Riri.

Let's go home.

Fortunately, Riri didn't have any complications or tumor metastasis.

The illness has been controlled by medication.

But the illness accelerated the aging.

Risala spent almost the whole day sleeping.

But it doesn't matter.

It's good as long as it's alive.

Thank you for coming into this world

and always being by my side.

You have made me experience

that you are irreplaceable beings.

Thank you.

A year later, on a sunny holiday,

Risala stopped breathing

in my arms.

Its body was failing before it passed.

We couldn't figure out the exact cause.

But we did everything we could.

And we properly saw it off.

But I might not be able to have another dog.

A sister other than Risala,

I just can't imagine it.

But you still have a brother.

Uruson has always seen you

and Risala as big sisters.

Whether it's Uruson or me,

we both need you.

So cry if you want.

Risala,

I will always…

IZUMI RISALA always love you.

Just thinking about it makes me want to cry.

It's been three years already.

But I want to see

Miss Ritsuka have a sister again.

You can definitely bring happiness to the dogs.

Thank you.

You're crying too much, Ema.

But I'm not considering it right now.

Uruson is already an old dog.

Life will become increasingly harder.

I want to support it with all my might

to leave Shinichiro with no regrets.

URUSON, 3 MONTHS OLD, RISALA, 10 YEARS OLD CHRISTMAS PARTY

Uruson is the younger brother of Risala and me.

It must be smiling in heaven.

To cherish the years I've spent with you,

I will also move forward on my own path.

(Next Episode: The Comic Artist and the Shiba Inu)